RE: “Rethinking the Family Tree and Other Tough Assignments”

This article was an excellent reminder to provide other options for all students when completing school assignments about families (so as not to draw attention to something that might be a sensitive topic). I’ve had students write about who is in their family and who is in their extended family. Thanks for sharing.
Joanne • via Facebook

On the first day of school, I tell every teacher of every one of my kids, “No baby pictures and no family tree.” My kids love that I will fight for them over this.
Amy • via Facebook

My son had to do a timeline project and proudly placed moving to our home and then being adopted on it. As my kids were nearly seven, nine, and 10 when they were adopted, they wear it like a badge of honor and proudly tell anyone about it.
Heather • via Facebook

RE: “Sweet Sand”

The conversation the author describes, about “being in your belly,” is one I’ve had with our seven-year-old, who came to us through foster care placement at two years old. She asks about this a lot, and whether she was born with lots of hair. I remind her that she was in her birth mom’s belly, and she responds, “Oh, yeah, I forgot.”
Shelli • via Facebook

Our daughter came to us when she was 10 days old, and we finalized her adoption when she was one year. She’s now 10 and never ever talks about adoption, or asks questions like the author’s child, even when we try to talk about it. We keep waiting for the questions, but now we wonder if we should try talking more. Any advice?
Amy • via Facebook

[The author responds] I think it is a balancing act. I would bring up adoption once in awhile, and let her know she can always talk about it or ask questions, but there is no need to continually discuss it. As long as she knows she can talk to you and her questions will be respected when she is ready.
Anne Sawan • via Facebook

RE: 25 Children’s Books That Showcase Diversity

Thank you for the excellent selection of children’s books!
Carole • via Facebook

Whose Knees Are These? is one of my favorites, too.
Laura • via Facebook

RE: Ask AF: When Kids Don’t Ask for Birth Family Contact

I concur with the wise advice offered to the mom of the newly adopted older children who aren’t asking to contact their birth grandparents. They need time and space to adjust to their new family. I agree that writing a letter and asking the children to participate is a good idea. And then after a few weeks or months, maybe set up a time to Skype, and then meet in person with Grandma. Don’t wait for the kids to bring her up, as they may not do it. But also make it clear to Grandma that the kids are with you now, and she needs to respect that.
Katrina • via Facebook